Rejected by Her Mate Claimed by Four Alphas novel Chapter 178

CHAPTER 162

Clara’s POV

When I woke up the next morning, sunlight was slipping through the curtains and Darius was already gone from the bed. His side was warm though, and the scent of him was all over the sheets.

I lay there a minute, smiling, my muscles still sore in the best way, my body buzzing from everything we’d done the night before. I stretched, every part of me feeling alive, like I’d woken up after a long sleep and

found the world brighter.

After a quick shower, I pulled on running clothes and laced up my shoes. I needed the fresh air, the trees,

the earth under my feet. It wasn’t just a habit–running always cleared my head, helped me sort through all

the noise inside me. Especially after everything that happened.

As I left our room, I thought about the night before–Darius’s arms, his hands everywhere, his voice in my

ear. I was still smiling when I reached the stairs.

But as soon as I opened the front door, I stopped short. Darius was waiting on the porch, wearing running

shorts and a black T–shirt, his hair still damp from his own shower. He grinned at me like he’d been waiting

forever.

“Morning, Luna,” he said, his voice teasing.

I raised my eyebrows, not hiding my surprise. “What are you doing up this early?”

He smirked. “You thought I’d let you run off by yourself after last night?”

I rolled my eyes, even though my heart did a little jump at the thought of him coming with me. “I do this every morning. I’ll be fine.”

He shrugged, already stepping down the porch. “We’re running together. No arguments. And we’re

switching routes.”

I stared at him, almost laughing. “Switching routes? Since when?”

He glanced back, that playful spark in his eyes. “Since today. I want to try something different.”

For a second I thought about pushing back, telling him I needed time alone. But honestly, after what we’d been through, the idea of being with him–even on a run–felt right. Like maybe I didn’t have to fight for

space anymore.

We started out together, side by side. The morning air was crisp, cool on my skin. I set an easy pace, and Darius matched me, his steps falling in with mine. I could feel his eyes on me now and then, but he didn’t say much, just kept close.

We left the usual trail, turning off into a narrow path that wound deeper into the woods. The trees were tall here, old and thick, the ground covered with soft moss and fallen leaves. The sunlight barely touched the forest floor, but the air was fresh, filled with the scent of pine and earth.

<CHAPTER 169

+25 Points

Hkept glancing at Darius, waiting for him to say something, but he just kept running, a little smile on his lips. His presence was steady, warm, grounding. My mind drifted as we moved, legs and lungs burning in the best way. I realized I felt safe, truly safe, for the first time since I’d been taken. And it was because he

was here.

We didn’t talk much at first, just listened to the sound of our feet and breath and the soft hush of the wind

in the trees. Every so often, he’d bump my shoulder, grinning, and I’d nudge him back. It was easy,

comfortable, like all the tension from before had melted away.

After a while, Darius slowed to a jog, then stopped altogether, turning to face me. His cheeks were

flushed, hair messy, a bead of sweat running down his temple. He looked good. Too good.

“Let’s take a break,” he said, already moving off the path.

I followed him, laughing. “What, tired already?”

He shot me a look, grinning. “Just want to enjoy the view.”

He led me to a spot between two huge trees, the ground soft and shaded. I leaned against one of the

truriks, catching my breath, wiping sweat from my forehead.

Darius looked at me for a long moment, his eyes tracing over every inch. I could feel his gaze, hot and hungry, the same way it had been last night. My stomach flipped.

He stepped closer, dropping his voice. “You know what I was thinking about?”

I shook my head, trying to hide my smile. “Do I even want to know?”

He grinned, eyes dark. “I was thinking about what it’d be like to take you right here, with your back against

this tree.”

I laughed, rolling my eyes. “You’re insane.”

He didn’t laugh. He moved even closer, so close I could feel his breath on my lips, his body almost pressing mine into the tree. “I’m serious, Clara. I want you. Right here.”

For a second I thought he was teasing, but the look in his eyes told me he meant every word. Heat shot through me, sharp and wild, chasing away any leftover doubt or fear.

I tried to act unaffected. “Someone could see us,” I whispered, but even I could hear the breathlessness in

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